Movies, Film, and Chili

Karate Kid: Legends follows a new student stepping into the martial arts world with Jackie Chan returning as Mr. Han, trying to pass the torch once more. Directed by Jonathan Entwistle, best known for The End of the F **ing World* , the tone is strangely uneven. The movie can't decide if it wants to be a heartfelt coming-of-age story or a legacy sequel cash grab. The choreography is passable, but the film lacks the grit and discipline that made earlier entries resonate. It feels more like a corporate product than a passion project. Jackie Chan, who once balanced comedy and heart in Rush Hour and The Karate Kid (2010) , phones it in. The charm and wisdom he brought to Mr. Han over a decade ago are gone. He looks bored, says his lines like he's checking boxes, and barely engages with the story. It's a disappointing return for one of martial arts cinema's biggest legends. Ben Wang, best known for American Born Chinese , plays the new Karate Kid. He’s got presence, bu...

Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning is the conclusion to Ethan Hunt’s battle against The Entity, and the stakes have never been higher, or more personal. Directed once again by Christopher McQuarrie , who has become as much a staple of this franchise as the theme song, the film stays in his usual lane. He delivers practical stunts, exotic locations, and clean choreography. This time, though, things feel a little safer than they should. There are flashes of brilliance, but it doesn’t quite reach the tension or impact of earlier entries. Still, it’s polished and confidently made, even if the sense of danger feels slightly dialed down. Tom Cruise is back doing what only Tom Cruise does. He throws himself at this role like he’s still trying to prove something. The stunts are still jaw-dropping, and his dedication to keeping things physical instead of digital continues to elevate the action. Emotionally, the character gets a few solid moments, but mostly it’s the Ethan Hunt show as ...